I believe this sentiment drives much of the discontent in Oilers Nation these days. Why can't we have nice things? Colorado sucked for LESS time and are in the playoffs looking like the Oilers team we were promised!!!! What the hell? Where are the answers? After the break.

Steve Tambellini authored a devastating period in Oilers history and left a roster filled with forgettable. Tambellini never met an NHL player he couldn't rid himself of, he was quite impressive at the discipline.

Sheldon Souray said a few things? OFF to Chocolate City with him!!!

Dustin Penner has size, but won't use it? Kick him down the road for a pick that might turn out years from now.

His ‘stand and deliver’ July 1st 2011 series of transactions (bought out
Souray, signs Cam Barker, Ben Eager, Darcy Hordichuk, Eric Belanger,
Corey Potter and trades for Andy Sutton) serves as his nadir.

It's easy to forget just how many useful people were sent away after Steve Tambellini arrived in late summer 2008.

Erik Cole, Edmonton gets Patrick O'Sullivan

Kyle Brodziak, Edmonton gets two picks (Bigos and Roy). Minnesota also gets a late pick they turn into Darcy Kuemper—who played for them last night.

RECOVERY

When Craig MacTavish took over this hockey team, they were very weak up the middle. Improvements last summer (Boyd Gordon, Andrew Ference) added to mid-season fixes (Scrivens, Fasth) have Edmonton looking a little better at C, D and G.

There's a long way to go.

However, the scorched earth policy—which involved things like sending a capable defenseman to the minors as punishment for a moment of frustration—delivered an empty cupboard and made certain the early years of Taylor Hall were bleak.

Steve Tambellini dealt Dustin Penner at the 2010-11 deadline, and the Oilers did not replace him until summer 2013 (David Perron).

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

When looking at a picture, it's vital to identify the real tragedy.

I understand the frustration that Michael Parkatti and all Oiler fans have today. This is draining, especially when Colorado makes it look so easy. But if you look at where they were in 2010 (they had 95 points and made the playoffs) and since then (seasons of 68, 88, lockout 39 and now 112 points), it doesn't compare with the scorched earth Oilers.

The one season that showed promise (2011-12 under Renney) Tambellini fired the coach and brought back Lennart Petrell. !!!!!!.

I know this is a difficult period, but if we're laying blame here let's have the conversation. It's hard to rebuild an empire from rubble overnight.

Lowetide has been one of the Oilogosphere's shining lights for over a century. You can check him out here at OilersNation and at lowetide.ca. He is also the host of Lowdown with Lowetide weekday mornings 10-noon on TSN 1260.

No, no. It's all Tambo's fault. I have been looking into how the team had performed against recent cup finalists in there Cup minus 2 and Cup minus 3 seasons.

Points wise, the Oilers were right in the range for their Cup minus 3 season, but almost of them made big jumps in thier Cup minus 2 seasons. If this was year four of a rebuild as Katz said, one that Lowe told the nation was up to six years long before being a Cup contender, then this was the year the team should have made a big jump to somewhere in the 88 point range.

Lowe and MacT delivered 65.

Whoops, accidentally hit post before I was done.

Correction.

If we believe that Katz and Lowe have just completed year 4 of a 6 year rebuild to be a Cup contender, here is how the Oilers stack up in their Cup -2 and Cup -3 seasons. I have excluded last season's finalist because they were both returnees (not rebuilders) and would have skewed the numbers higher (i.e., made the Oilers look even worse).

Cup -3 Season Points

Kings 08-09 79

Devils 08-09 106

Bruins 07-08 94

Canucks 07-08 88

Hawks 06-07 71

Flyers 06-07 56

Average 82

Oilers 13-14 77*

Difference (5)

* Projected over 82. West only. We would expect this total to be higher had they played the East. Likely 2 to 4 points better.

The Souray debacle, when management let a top pair D-man get away for nothing, instead of sitting him down and having a talk with him, is class Oilers post 1999 managerial incompetence. And it has KLowe's fingerprints all over it.

I don't deny KLowe is super-competitive and bleeds Oiler and all the crap. However, he is too emotional and makes rash decisions based too much on emotion, which hurt the franchise he supposedly loves. The Souray example is only one of many.

We need competent and level-headed management, with a sound plan, to lead this organization. Not arrogant, emotional overconfident ex-players that continually talk about almost winning a cup 9 years ago, and how everyone in the NHL outside of Edmonton thinks they're doing a good job.

What a sh*tshow this organization is.

@ spliff,

"...and how everyone in the NHL outside of Edmonton thinks they're doing a good job."

I'm convinced that Lowe doesn't even recognize that what he labels as envy or admiration from people around the league, is most likely those people blowing smoke up his ass. I can't believe that anybody from other organizations would actually tell their counterparts that they are managing their teams improperly....unless they are Brian Burke or Jay Feaster. It's in their own best interest to let others twist in the wind, or "wander in the desert".

Avs drafted 3rd overall in 2009. In a sense their scorched earth has lasted one year longer than ours, but they mixed in a playoff season and a not- so-bad one prior to returning as a competitive team. Factor in a pretty good trade that landed them Erik Johnson, and they've managed their pieces very well.

The Oilers have key pieces. There's not a lot of difference between Duchesne and RNH, or Hall and Landedkog. If the Oilers can find a 25-minute Dman, a 2-way centre with size, and the kids get better, they will improve.

This past season was the hardest because we were supposed to be there by now, but under the right management they could be 25-points better next season.

How can any oiler fan be optimistic of going into next year. Does anyone really believe it will be any different. Our "core" has not shown me anything to believe they can get us into the post season. Man I like RNH but he just looks average now. I'm not getting caught up in the excitement if a new season. It will only disappoint again. Not too sure what to think if my oilers now.

Allan you give this guy too much credit.......he did no follow any scorched earth policy. In fact, whet he did is called bliss policy.

You know what they say being an idiot is bliss. This guy was purposely hired by Lowe because he was very controllable. Lowe know all along that Mac T was going on a walkabout..........what he needed was a useful idiot, and along came Tamby......Idiot to the core.

Blaming him is useless as everyone in the league knew who was really behind all this........yes KLowe.

I may sound like a Conspiracy theory but until Tamby was hired no one knew he existed.

I highly respect your writing and on air commentary. You have a great wit, tremendous recall, superb musical preference, and sound knowledge of our great sport.
But please... In the name of all that is humane, can you just call it like it is in regards to what's happened? Everyone including you throws Tambo under the bus for every moves he made(or didn't make). To believe that Mr. Dithers was in full autonomous control is even more ridiculous than the notion that MacT has 100% say now. Oilers management does not even feel the need to hide this fact. Watching the propaganda film that they call "Oil Change" it's obvious to all Kevin Lowe is involved in roster moves. Even now we hear he's on the arm of MacT on important scouting missions like the other week when they went down to RD to see Draisatle. Hell, he said on Gregor's afternoon show that the decision making is collaborative.
I have no affiliation or affection towards Stevo Tambellini... But blaming him for the state of affairs without acknowledging his boss, amounts to pure foolishness and blatant disregard for the truth.

Allan you give this guy too much credit.......he did no follow any scorched earth policy. In fact, whet he did is called bliss policy.

You know what they say being an idiot is bliss. This guy was purposely hired by Lowe because he was very controllable. Lowe know all along that Mac T was going on a walkabout..........what he needed was a useful idiot, and along came Tamby......Idiot to the core.

Blaming him is useless as everyone in the league knew who was really behind all this........yes KLowe.

I may sound like a Conspiracy theory but until Tamby was hired no one knew he existed.

^ THIS.

But it wasn't just Lowe. He DOES know how to build a winning team (2006). Seriously, it's not that hard. But for whatever reason Lowe and Katz decided to throw this team in the ditch. Lowe could not have done that without Katz's explicit permission.

Tambllini may have been the executioner but the signed order came from above.

Avs drafted 3rd overall in 2009. In a sense their scorched earth has lasted one year longer than ours, but they mixed in a playoff season and a not- so-bad one prior to returning as a competitive team. Factor in a pretty good trade that landed them Erik Johnson, and they've managed their pieces very well.

The Oilers have key pieces. There's not a lot of difference between Duchesne and RNH, or Hall and Landedkog. If the Oilers can find a 25-minute Dman, a 2-way centre with size, and the kids get better, they will improve.

This past season was the hardest because we were supposed to be there by now, but under the right management they could be 25-points better next season.

They gave up Shattenkirk for Johnson. It worked out OK for the Avs. I know there are other pieces, but straight up, I think the should have kept KS. But I guess it is harder to argue against results.

The Oilers are clearly the most poorly managed team in the NHL. From player decisions to contracts to the damn music at the arena. And through it all, the organization treats fans like their infallibility should never be in question.

The real crime of Lowe, Katz, Tambo and the rest is that they've sucked the fun out of having a hockey team and made it something ugly.

Anyone who doesn't feel the 18 yr old in process, and players who don't compete out, may want to rethink their position this team is only a second line center and a top pairing blueliner away from competing again. This team needs impact players no matter how old they are. Edmontons only shot at this is by selecting half a dozen more entry level players who can step right in. Overcome the stupidity of this management group.

The Oilers distribute icetime to players who haven't earned it. The haven't a clue what's involved in developing players. Kevin Lowe rubs his 6 rings in each new kids face and says, this is what I did, lets see what you can do. There's little doubt now that Hall, Hopkins and Yakupov would've all be doing much better in a different organization. This management group has soiled this market for entry level players now, let alone established players.

In two years when that new building opens, probably with the highest ticket prices in the NHL, and a half empty building......it will spell doom for NHL hockey in this market. Fanboy Daryl Katz will be taking his toy to Quebec City before the concrete in the new building has cured.

Anyone who doesn't feel the 18 yr old in process, and players who don't compete out, may want to rethink their position this team is only a second line center and a top pairing blueliner away from competing again. This team needs impact players no matter how old they are. Edmontons only shot at this is by selecting half a dozen more entry level players who can step right in. Overcome the stupidity of this management group.

This is the freakin' NHL. The best league in the world. There's no such thing as "half a dozen entry level players who can step right in". Just because a kid is knocking it out of the park with the Oil Kings doesn't mean he's ready for prime time in the big show. That's high school lunch talk.

If you think eternal pessimism = "voice of reason" you need to figure some things out.

Oilers fans often are way too optimistic about the team but many can just find a way to be negative about everything.

The truth is somewhere in the middle for most situations.

The Oilers have done a lot of things wrong (Hiring and keeping Tambo was capital offense #1) but there is some opportunity for them to fix some things. It's not going to be easy or likely quick but it cant get much worse.

"It's not going to be easy or likely quick but it cant get much worse."

I'm not sure I disagree with the above comment. But you do realize that it has got to this point after eight (EIGHT) years (that is, the point where it "can't get much worse"), because of the efforts of the current management.

Of course, I've been saying that to myself for a couple of years now. "Cheer up", I've said. "It can't get much worse."

So I've cheered up. And it's got worse.

One thing the Oilers have demonstrated with amazing consistency is every time they've hit bottom, they've manage to discover a trap door.

One thing I can say about watching Colorado's professional rebuild vs the amateur hour we've been witnessing is that if everything goes right, maybe we can expect the same success in about 3-4 years. That includes counting on lucking into Connor MacDavid.

Does anyone expect with this management group that everything will go right?

I don't care whose fault it is. Edmonton is the worst run team in the NHL. I could pick at random any person who posts here and they could do just as poorly as the Oilers management has done in the last 8 years.

I can't believe they pay these guys.

Your too kind!...you could also substitute any 13yr old with baggy britches witha oiler gm and finish last!.. Hell abolish it all together still last.

All this Avs envy is sad. Have some pride in your city and team. No, I'm not a closet Avs fan. It's just that it won't affect me one iota if they win the cup this or any other year. You want to know why they're doing so well? Supporting cast. Simply put, a bunch of their guys decided to show up and play to their potential this year after crapping the bed in the past (Exhibit A. Paul Stastny). Meanwhile Erik Johnson is FINALLY looking like the franchise defencemen he was touted to be and Varlamov seems to have decided that Mr. Vezina is calling his name. They're a hot team right now, there's no doubt about it. But whatever, I'm not gonna waste my time moaning about "If only we were them" or some other nonsense.

Giving Tambo a multi-year contract extension after watching years of his scorched earth management should be a fireable offence.

Full stop.

If the guy at the top can't understand that the worst GM in team history is doing a terrible job and rewards him with another contract, then we need a new guy at the top. Nevermind the fact that most of us are reasonably confident Lowe has a hand in the day to day decisions that were so effective at burning everything down.

Giving Tambo a multi-year contract extension after watching years of his scorched earth management should be a fireable offence.

Full stop.

If the guy at the top can't understand that the worst GM in team history is doing a terrible job and rewards him with another contract, then we need a new guy at the top. Nevermind the fact that most of us are reasonably confident Lowe has a hand in the day to day decisions that were so effective at burning everything down.

My thought is the guy at the top KNEW the GM was doing a crap job and extended him. Trashing this team for picks was the plan all along. Tambellini was just the #1 patsy to take the heat off the organization for doing so.

"It's not going to be easy or likely quick but it cant get much worse."

I'm not sure I disagree with the above comment. But you do realize that it has got to this point after eight (EIGHT) years (that is, the point where it "can't get much worse"), because of the efforts of the current management.

Of course, I've been saying that to myself for a couple of years now. "Cheer up", I've said. "It can't get much worse."

So I've cheered up. And it's got worse.

One thing the Oilers have demonstrated with amazing consistency is every time they've hit bottom, they've manage to discover a trap door.

One thing I can say about watching Colorado's professional rebuild vs the amateur hour we've been witnessing is that if everything goes right, maybe we can expect the same success in about 3-4 years. That includes counting on lucking into Connor MacDavid.

Does anyone expect with this management group that everything will go right?

8 years of suffering came for many many reasons. I will say I think MacT is capable of getting it done. I think Lowe needs to go for a variety of reasons but I dont believe he has as big of an impact on decisions as many would like to believe.

Might there be others out the more qualified than MacT? sure. I also dont think we know what we truly have with mact yet.

Colorado didnt really rebuild. Dont know why people keep saying that. Just because you sucked for a year then dont doesnt mean you've rebuilt.

We get that this team is bad. No sane person argues otherwise. I wasnt even meaning to refer to you so much when I said this (dsf) but: Just yelling out "we suck we suck we suck and you're a fool if you cheer for this team and dont also just scream 'we suck' doesnt help".

I try my best and be as realistic as possible while trying to stay level headed as possible. Maybe that in itself isnt rational but i try.

Hanging our situation on Tambellini just perpetuates team management's narrative.

PLEASE STOP THIS!

Theres really no point in sitting around going "Tambo was terrible" and not really looking at anything else. But hanging this situation on anyone but Tambo and those who enabled him would be basically ignoring Tambos entire tenure.

In an attempt be become a better coach and learn, I have attended several coaching clinics with all sorts of facilitators and all sorts of colleagues. One of my observations going away is that there are some interesting folks involved in the game (and I guess in life in general). There are those that take in all they can, reflect, consider and formulate. Then there are those that cannot wait to demonstrate to a room full of colleagues how smart they are, what great records they have, how things have to change, how their way is the way to success etc. etc. (I am referring to some of the attendees, not the facilitators). Then I sit back and think "where have I seen all this before". Then it hits me, this sounds like Oiler leadership!

Watch interviews with those in hockey who have actually won something (not as a player, Kevin, as a builder or coach): Ken Holland, Peter Charelli, Steve Yzerman, Stan Bowman, Dean Lombardi Mike Babcock, Claude Julien, Joel Quennville, etc. etc. etc. During these interviews I hear some simple, honest answers; "we have to work harder", we have to get in on the forecheck faster", etc. etc. and then adjustments are made to address things. (sorry, I have to lower myself here, but could you imagine Babcock, Quennville, or even Jon Cooper getting hit with some water on the bench and acting like Eakins did? I just can't see it). Anyways, When I listen to these hockey people, I hear knowledge & confidence (not arrogance). I hear calmness. I hear humility. I hear an assurance that says "We are the leaders of this organization and we will build success".

Imagine being a fan of an organization that when you hear their leadership address issues, you actually walk away thinking, "I have some concerns about how the team is playing, but I know that the leadership knows what they are doing"

@ mr David S ( apparently I forgot how to reply properly )
I had originally planned in tearing you a new one for posting such foolishness. But if you take a look at Lowes body of work in 2005 -06 he acquired Pronger Peca Samsonov Spacek and Roloson. Easily one of the best seasons for acquiring talent in the teams history. He proved that season he could build a winner.

Lowes own time frame for this rebuild was 5 years to be a cup contender if I remember correctly. Counting down from the Taylor hall draft Mac T and Lowe have to move approximately ten spots up the standings in both the upcoming seasons for this goal to be a reality ( like that's going to happen!).

Lowe threw the team in the ditch. No question about that. Do you think he will be able to dig them out. Personally I think someone else is going to have to be up to the task. I can't wait for next season anymore.

MacKinnon, Duchene, Stastny, O'Reilly. Nuge would arguably be fifth on their depth chart.

They also had solid goaltending all year long, If we had of started the season with even decent goaltending our season could have been very different.

O'Reilly was a big pick for that organization, if we had one second rounder from the past five years that was an impact player like him it would be go a long way, plus if Gagner was close to Stastny in what he brought the Oilers would look a lot different right now. Instead we have Pitlick, Lander and Gagner.

That being said, I think the Oilers are as bad as they look, but I don't think the Av's are good as they've looked this season, a lot of things fell just right for the Av's this year, I don't think they finish nearly as high in the standings next year.

MacKinnon, Duchene, Stastny, O'Reilly. Nuge would arguably be fifth on their depth chart.

They also had solid goaltending all year long, If we had of started the season with even decent goaltending our season could have been very different.

O'Reilly was a big pick for that organization, if we had one second rounder from the past five years that was an impact player like him it would be go a long way, plus if Gagner was close to Stastny in what he brought the Oilers would look a lot different right now. Instead we have Pitlick, Lander and Gagner.

That being said, I think the Oilers are as bad as they look, but I don't think the Av's are good as they've looked this season, a lot of things fell just right for the Av's this year, I don't think they finish nearly as high in the standings next year.

The Oilers and Flames had very similar problems this season. Horrible goaltending sunk them in the first few months and by the time that got sorted out for both teams it was too late to make a difference.

As for the Oilers specifically, I think that MacT had done well this past season. The only really huge misstep I can point to is the hiring of Eakins. Should have kept Krueger. Or at least let Eakins pick his own assistants.

I'm not sure whose decision it was to hobble Eakins in that way but it seems that if Katz or Lowe came up with the idea it's going to get pinned on MacT anyway.

Here are some quotes that go back to 2008, Lowe vs Burke.That's our POHO, it starts with him and you can go down from there,that's whats wrong with the Oiler's, when you have a moron like Lowe shooting off his mouth like this,there is no need to wonder why the team is in the position it is.Karma is a bitch hey kevin?

Where do I begin?," started Lowe. "He's a moron, first of all. Secondly, he really believes that any news for the NHL is good news. Thirdly, he loves the limelight and I don't think anyone in hockey will dispute that. (who is the moron now?)

I hate the fact that my name is linked to his. He's an underachieving wanna-be in terms of success in the NHL. He won a Stanley Cup? Great. I've won six Stanley Cups, you want to count rings? Who cares, it's just a little pathetic that he carries on."(again he make reference to his cup wins)

Burkie loves the limelight. He's all bluff and loud and Mac T (head coach Craig MacTavish) said it best - he's like the Wizard of Oz, you pull the curtains away and there's not much substance." (I think the same can be said about Lowe)

"Here's a fact - he left (former Canucks GM) Dave Nonis nothing in Vancouver," he explained. "Nothing. He destroyed that team. If it wasn't for Nonis' incredible deals - to con Mike Keenan to get (Roberto) Luongo in Vancouver - that team was taking a nose dive two years ago."(What did Tambellini leave Mactavish?)

Alot of what Lowe said can be directly applied to himself and the Oilers today.

People seem to forget Oct and Nov. If DD didn't completely fall on his face and got the team 10 more wins in the 1st two months the Oilers are just missing the playoffs, and the discussions are completely different.

If the same thing happens next season as this last one, then I hope Katz has the nuts to can all his friends and start fresh.

It would have placated me somewhat if MacT had a year-end presser along the following lines;

"We are no more satisfied with our finish this year as our fans. It behooves us as an organization to become better in all facets of the organization; pro scouting, amateur scouting, coaching, the DJ, the cheer team, everything and everybody including myself have to improve." And I believe we will improve."

You don't seem to know Quennville very well. I could also see Babcock barking.

I don t know him at all. My point was that he has won. For all I know if coach Q was hit with some water he may have grabbed his sack like he did the other night. Still, IMO Oiler leadership are In way over their heads and I highly doubt their ability to turn things around. If I'm wrong, I will gladly admit so.

I highly respect your writing and on air commentary. You have a great wit, tremendous recall, superb musical preference, and sound knowledge of our great sport.
But please... In the name of all that is humane, can you just call it like it is in regards to what's happened? Everyone including you throws Tambo under the bus for every moves he made(or didn't make). To believe that Mr. Dithers was in full autonomous control is even more ridiculous than the notion that MacT has 100% say now. Oilers management does not even feel the need to hide this fact. Watching the propaganda film that they call "Oil Change" it's obvious to all Kevin Lowe is involved in roster moves. Even now we hear he's on the arm of MacT on important scouting missions like the other week when they went down to RD to see Draisatle. Hell, he said on Gregor's afternoon show that the decision making is collaborative.
I have no affiliation or affection towards Stevo Tambellini... But blaming him for the state of affairs without acknowledging his boss, amounts to pure foolishness and blatant disregard for the truth.

Thanks for your kinds word, appreciated. I can't write those words, because I don't believe them to be true.

Craig MacTavish is, in my opinion, the de facto GM of the Edmonton Oilers. I don't believe he would have come back if the job involved being a glorified assistant.

I also believe the transactions have improved since MacT arrived (Perron, etc) so would suggest he'd had a positive (although not perfect) impact.

In regard to Tambellini's time as GM, we don't have any proof to show Kevin Lowe was piloting the ship during Tambellini's time here.

If we go back and look at the final moves by Tambellini (acquiring Smithson for a good pick, trading Tobias Rieder for Kale Kessy) the lack of creativity in those deals screams Tambellini.

Now, you say it's Lowe, and I say there's no proof.

Bottom line: it doesn't matter. Kevin Lowe's job was to find a suitable GM to replace him and he did not deliver.

After that, we're just arguing specifics. If you're asking me 'did Kevin Lowe fail in his role after 2005 trade deadline'? the answer is a clear yes.

I don't have evidence to stick his name on the Tambellini moves. If I did, or anyone can provide proof, I'd be delighted to write that story.

Same goes for MacTavish. If he's a puppet, that's one of the saddest stories in sports history. A guy survives the Oilers post-Pronger, leaves, overcomes Cancer, gets his degree, and cashes all of that for the right to run down the hall and ask for permission to take a leak.

Thanks for your kinds word, appreciated. I can't write those words, because I don't believe them to be true.

Craig MacTavish is, in my opinion, the de facto GM of the Edmonton Oilers. I don't believe he would have come back if the job involved being a glorified assistant.

I also believe the transactions have improved since MacT arrived (Perron, etc) so would suggest he'd had a positive (although not perfect) impact.

In regard to Tambellini's time as GM, we don't have any proof to show Kevin Lowe was piloting the ship during Tambellini's time here.

If we go back and look at the final moves by Tambellini (acquiring Smithson for a good pick, trading Tobias Rieder for Kale Kessy) the lack of creativity in those deals screams Tambellini.

Now, you say it's Lowe, and I say there's no proof.

Bottom line: it doesn't matter. Kevin Lowe's job was to find a suitable GM to replace him and he did not deliver.

After that, we're just arguing specifics. If you're asking me 'did Kevin Lowe fail in his role after 2005 trade deadline'? the answer is a clear yes.

I don't have evidence to stick his name on the Tambellini moves. If I did, or anyone can provide proof, I'd be delighted to write that story.

Same goes for MacTavish. If he's a puppet, that's one of the saddest stories in sports history. A guy survives the Oilers post-Pronger, leaves, overcomes Cancer, gets his degree, and cashes all of that for the right to run down the hall and ask for permission to take a leak.

THAT would be a story.

So if Mac-T does no have to run moves by Lowe before pulling the trigger and does not discuss moves with Lowe.Just what does Lowe do?
Tell Katz stories from the good old days?